Jordan Valley

After Hamas launched a terrorist attack on Israel’s southern border on October 7, 2023, Israel established its 96th Army Division to address new security challenges at the Jordanian border.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) provided exclusive access to military bases for insight into their operations against various threats, including the Iranian regime, terrorism, and illegal immigration related to Palestinians seeking work in Israel.

An Israeli military official remarked that while the Jordanian border is generally peaceful, there exists a strategic struggle over Jordan involving Iranian influences. Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty back in 1994.

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In the sweltering Jordan Valley, a region steeped in Biblical history where Joshua once led the Jews, the prospect of lasting peace in the Middle East hangs in the balance.

The Jordan Valley, frequently mentioned in Scripture, was a site of significant events, including John the Baptist’s missions and Jesus’s baptism. This area, often referred to as the “original Bible Belt,” attracts many tourists interested in its religious heritage.

Experts on the Middle East have noted attempts by both the Iranian regime and Hamas to destabilize Jordan amid Israel’s conflicts against Iranian-backed foes.

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In 2024, Jordan witnessed demonstrations supporting Hamas amidst ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict.

Following the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas, which claimed over 1,200 lives, including more than 40 Americans, the IDF is reactivating 45 military bases that were previously established after the 1967 Six-Day War, with operations that halted in the late 1990s. The 96th Division is tasked with overseeing a heavily fortified base in the Jordan Valley.

According to a military official, “Since the start of this year, we’ve intercepted over 20 smuggling attempts involving arms and drugs.”

Military officials noted that the area of the Jordan Valley is diverse, stating, “People from all walks of life come here,” emphasizing their role in ensuring everyone can live peacefully. The 96th Division spans roughly 250 air miles, covering about 242.3 miles of territory and has been active for just over a year.

Part of their defense strategy involves constructing new barriers. A military representative explained that learnings from events of October 7 have prompted upgrades to the wall. Building this wall is indicative of why many Palestinians seek work in Israel illegally; they view the wall as a barrier to their opportunities.

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The official highlighted the availability of legal crossing points from Jordan into Israel.

This multi-tiered border strategy involves three layers of defense: a military outpost—similar to the facility toured by Fox News Digital—two defensive walls, and a military base housing the 96th Division. Additional reservists have been called up, including new battalions formed from individuals not previously in military service or those wishing to return.

Military sources indicate that these reservists grasp “the essence of our historical situation” and express “a deep love for Israel.”

During hostilities with Iran, Iranian forces have targeted the Jordan Valley with missile strikes, necessitating the use of bunkers for protection within military outposts.

The military installation visited by Fox News Digital is situated in Area C of the contested West Bank, often referred to by Israelis as Judea and Samaria. This area constitutes about 60% of the total territory and is home to nearly 500,000 Israelis alongside approximately 300,000 Palestinians, with military and civilian governance dictated by the Oslo Accords established in 1993 between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

A military official remarked, “Our challenge mirrors that of Jordan: maintaining a peaceful border.”